As I reflect on my recent journey at Buffer, I am filled with gratitude and insight. My experience began with a moment that felt straight out of a dream — receiving a job offer during a live call from Hailley Griffis. It was March 27th, and I was in conversation for a Senior Brand and Community Manager role at Buffer. When Hailley extended the offer, I knew I was on the brink of something special.
Working at Buffer had been a goal for years. Growing up in New Delhi, India, and navigating my career across continents, Buffer represented an ideal I aspired to. As an immigrant, the notion of joining such a forward-thinking company seemed distant, but suddenly, it was real. The invitation to Buffer’s annual retreat in Antalya, Türkiye, was particularly exciting, as this was a key opportunity for a fully remote team like ours.
Beginning My Buffer Journey
After accepting the offer, I was warmly guided by Jenna Meindertsma through the onboarding process. Her attention to detail ensured my seamless integration into Buffer’s systems, which included preparing for the Türkiye retreat and setting up logistics.
Starting Strong at Buffer
The comprehensive onboarding document made me feel right at home with Buffer. It outlined my responsibilities and offered a clear path for my first 90 days. I dove into the preparation for our Türkiye retreat with excitement.
Embracing the Türkiye Experience
The retreat preparation was robust. It included opportunities to connect with my Culture Buddy, Darcy Peters, and Product Managers like Brandon Green. The thoughtfully curated Notion page provided all I needed to know about Türkiye, helping ease my transition and increase my anticipation.
Antalya Bound: Reflections on Reaching the Retreat
The journey to Antalya was smooth, filled with excitement and a bit of magic as I met my first Buffer teammate, Brandon, at the airport. Upon arrival, I received a warm and welcoming Buffer sign that felt like a beacon of belonging.
Meeting Hamish Macpherson on the way to the hotel further solidified the sense of unity and connection. My heart raced as we approached the hotel, and as I embraced my new role, it felt like coming home.
Joining the Buffer Family
The retreat was more than an onboarding experience; it was about understanding Buffer’s core values and culture. Hearing Joel Gascoigne speak during a keynote session was inspiring, highlighting Buffer’s transparency and the journey to hitting milestones like $22 million in ARR. This talk amplified my excitement and commitment to the team’s mission.
Our personal stories session was a beautiful exchange of backgrounds and experiences, leaving me with newfound appreciation and connection to my colleagues. The retreat truly embodied Buffer’s value of “Default to Transparency,” fostering a genuine sense of belonging and respect.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
The retreat concluded with a heartfelt gratitude session, a poignant reminder of the community we are building. I am filled with optimism and a desire to contribute to our shared goals and innovative spirit.
As I continue my journey at Buffer, I look forward to sharing my reflections and insights. For anyone curious about our dynamic and inclusive culture, I welcome you to connect with me on LinkedIn.
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